Universities across the country are raising money for charity through challenges for students. One of these challenges is Jailbreak! See how far you can hitch-hike, with no money, away from your university campus in 36 hours. With the University of Gloucestershire's coming up on February 19th and 20th I'll be posting weblogs of group's successes, or maybe messes...
To launch the UoG's hitch-hike for Haiti, let's look back on past students attempts to go the distance.
Stephen Treacy (18) Tom Hutcings (19) Shimarlie Andrew (18)
UWE
5-6 December 2009
Destination: Gibraltar! 1069 Miles
Raised: £200 for YoungMinds
Stephen:
"To start one of my mates lent us his car which we parked up in some random village a few miles away from Bristol airport, and then stuck our thumbs out to get a lift to the terminal. I managed to get us some free flights to Reus after persuasion! At the airport we carried around a box and busked for transport money, which ended up raising about £20 before we got told off...
While we were flying, we asked the cabin crew if they could make an announcement, which turned out amazingly as when we landed a Ryanair captain gave us a lift to Tarragona station, and gave us 30 euros! We bought bus tickets to Valencia which didn't depart until 11pm, so we explored the town, had a few beers and helped ourselves to a free dinner of olive oil bread samples from the Christmas market!
In Valencia they swapped drivers, so we were a bit bad ass and didn't get off!
11 tiring hours of bus journey and 1 stolen wallet later, we arrived in a town called Jaen in Andalucia, where we got some breakfast and tried to figure out where the hell we were...
We made a Malaga sign and stuck our thumbs out again. Within about 20 minutes we got picked up and dropped off on a footpathless motorway junction, so after walking a while we ended up fixing a ride to Malaga airport from a German "short film" director.
After that we managed to get a lift from an old Spanish couple to Marbella. By then we had about 3 hours left and it was getting dark, so it was really unlikely that we'd hitch another ride, until a Jehovah witness picked us up and took us to San Roque, where we blagged our way onto a bus that went to La Linea.
Once in La Linea, Shimarlie's dad picked us up and took us through the border to her house, where we ate, and slept for free!"
Getting Home
"We tried to stay on a bus that went to Barcelona to catch free flights from Reus, but got kicked off at Granada during the night! It was pretty creepy but we finally managed to find a hotel. We ended up having to pay for flights from Malaga two days later."
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Monday, 8 February 2010
Blackpool fool
What's with the hype about Blackpool? I thought it was a sham of a UK tourist attraction, even though, admittedly, I went out of season. But I can't see much changing in the peak seasons of summer except, well, the sun. And nothing in winter apart from the lights - which... actually I heard were quite impressive.
But if you're after a weekend away make sure you do it right, look into it properly, and find someone honest to tell you really if its worth the money, petrol and time.
Blackpool isn't. In my opinion.
The pavements are covered in the excrement of birds, dogs, and probably on duty horses owned by to-lazy-to-clean-it-up coppers. Maybe its because we went in February but even the hotel staff seemed amused that we were checking out early. Lunch in the tower was nice, sauces were free to my surprise, however pleasure beach wasn't open and the streets were tastefully furnished with smoking hooded chavs, sparing a minute to eye up ya' bags. The 'beach' shops aren't really that appealing, the few that haven't been boarded up that is, and are selling crummy, been there for a year rock. Rock? Really? In Blackpool?
However if you need a carpet, hey ho! Plenty of shops to choose from, in fact there seemed to be one every five minutes.
No offense if it's your hometown, I'm from Stroud and that's grown on me, I cringe when anyone takes the mick...but needless to say I won't be going back, I'm not a fool for Blackpool, rather a Blackpool fool.
But if you're after a weekend away make sure you do it right, look into it properly, and find someone honest to tell you really if its worth the money, petrol and time.
Blackpool isn't. In my opinion.
The pavements are covered in the excrement of birds, dogs, and probably on duty horses owned by to-lazy-to-clean-it-up coppers. Maybe its because we went in February but even the hotel staff seemed amused that we were checking out early. Lunch in the tower was nice, sauces were free to my surprise, however pleasure beach wasn't open and the streets were tastefully furnished with smoking hooded chavs, sparing a minute to eye up ya' bags. The 'beach' shops aren't really that appealing, the few that haven't been boarded up that is, and are selling crummy, been there for a year rock. Rock? Really? In Blackpool?
However if you need a carpet, hey ho! Plenty of shops to choose from, in fact there seemed to be one every five minutes.
No offense if it's your hometown, I'm from Stroud and that's grown on me, I cringe when anyone takes the mick...but needless to say I won't be going back, I'm not a fool for Blackpool, rather a Blackpool fool.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Conveniences - for anywhere under the sun
Here is a list of the best inventions for the travel enthusiast! This is all the convenient inventions to help you get there, make your stay comfortable, and keep costs as low as possible!
#1 - Sat Nav
Although a little more on the costly side of things, it's the most convenient invention for anyone driving long distance or short, simply input a postcode and your favourite driving music and off you go! Download the latest updates to ensure you get there without hassle - no more Google maps with missing roundabouts...
The digital luggage scale
www.balanzza.co.uk
Ok, so you can probably get cheaper versions on Amazon or Ebay, but the idea can't be beaten. Simple and easy to use, with no more umming and ahhing over if it's just too heavy! Save yourself the cost of a kilo and invest in this little treasure for any traveller.
#3 - www.holidayweather.com
For keeping tabs on where's hot and where's not
I've used it, and now you will too, and all your friends when you pass on the knowledge. Desperate for some off peak heat? Check up on this website for average temperatures, sea temperatures and rainfall predictions for any holiday resort, any month of the year.
#4 - Mini's
For ladies who like to look good on the go! Invest in mini moisturisers, shampoos, conditioners, hair spray, you can get hold of anything you can think off to keep you looking and smelling beautiful, and they are cute too! They take up less luggage space and are perfect for weekends away. Even the lads - if they aren't too shy to shop for them, will find mini antiperspirants, shaving creams and toothpaste tubes.
#5 - Portable stove
More for the adventurous types, they are great for camping, walking, or fishing holidays. When you need a quick cuppa' or fancy some food just insert a mini gas canister and watch it self ignite.
#6 - Travel earplugs
A pre-flight precaution for anyone who needs to ease pressure on their ears during take off or landing. Ear pain is one of the top causes of discomfort while flying. You can buy them at many chemists and airports, or can even get them custom made if you have left enough time before you travel.
#7 - Signal search travel locks
Signal search travel locks are for those who like to keep their luggage safe while avoiding interference with security screenings. They can be opened by any TSA screeners without damaging your lock or suitcase. You can also tell if it has been opened during it's airport transfer when you collect your suitcase after a flight.
#8 - In car entertainment
including portable DVD players, in car tvs and hand held game consoles
All of which are great for boys who get bored on extensive car journeys! And for ladies occupying the passenger seat (who have their men in order!) may find them better than a book or latest gossip mag. Again a little more expensive but I'm sure these will all be lad's buys that you can borrow from time to time.
#9 - Wheely suitcases
They've been around forever but are a must! And perfect when going away with the girls, don't make a mess of your image by shuffling aimlessly towards your hotel with a suitcase that's too heavy for you.
#10 - Funky passport covers
Travel in style with a fashionable passport cover, available in various styles from various companies and suitable for both men and women. From black and slick to pink and girly - there's something to suit everyone and certainly something to suit you.
Should fear replace fun?
18 to 30 holidays - beyond the fun.
Was I crazy?...
...Definitely for alcohol and sun, or crazy for booking an 18-30 getaway?
Sea, sand and sunbeds was all I could think about for months after booking a holiday to world renowned Magaluf, for it’s dirty dealings in neurotic night life.
My friends and I were lucky, our holiday was innocent fun. But my thoughts often drifted to the reps and their responsibilities of acting caretakers over the drunk and hung-over. Especially the ones that stripped naked during Sangria fuelled booze cruises across the Med…never asking themselves what sort of 18year old would want to see a forty-something ‘babysitter’ in the buff anyway.
Then I read of rapes, attacks, accidents, and drugs – and all the stuff that’s supposed to avoid the headlines when it comes to the drink driven tradition.
In 2008, an unnamed Thomas Cook Press Officer revealed all to the Daily Mail and what they said left me in shock. What reps did to earn excursion money and to entertain their near out-cold crowd was shameful, but what the press office would sell to keep things under wraps was disbelieving.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1044123/Binge-drinking-rapes-squalid-deaths-Club-18-30-insider-reveals-horrific-truth-Britons-abroad.html
For tour operators holidays such as these rake in the cash, but is it a question of false advertising? And is encouraging youngsters to drink excessively, in a strange country taking advantage of a common ‘I’ve paid, I can act how I like’ attitude?
Do they question their representatives, who drive young holiday-makers to act like them in all their rotting liver glory? Of course not – as long as they are making profits.
A 2008 report from Malia in Crete exposed that each day no less than 100 British girls were requesting the morning after pill. A further report, covering 15 popular 18-30 holiday destinations, counted 4,603 arrests in 2007 and 104 reported rapes.
There have been reports of death or near-death incidents in the papers for years, occurring in clubbing resorts such as Ibiza, Greece, and Majorca.
When I was away I received the ‘no naughty behaviour’ talk with reps reminiscing over the poor lad who broke his shoulder jumping off a boat. Didn’t he get the talk then, too?
Sometimes, it may be down to the reckless singleton who's trying to show off.
Then again - was it really a good idea to send us to a water park with a free bar and open the biggest rides, trying to nick our bikini tops on the way down? And it really isn’t professional to advise your minors of what not to do when you know full well you’re off to do it when the sun goes down.
Maybe touring operators should reconsider what reputation they are really after, before long fear will replace fun, and consequent in fines for the companies.
What will it take for them to really see the danger, for them to employ people who aren't taking advantage of the party vibes and tropical locations, and instead get some people with sense to look after the senseless.
Was I crazy?...
...Definitely for alcohol and sun, or crazy for booking an 18-30 getaway?
Sea, sand and sunbeds was all I could think about for months after booking a holiday to world renowned Magaluf, for it’s dirty dealings in neurotic night life.
My friends and I were lucky, our holiday was innocent fun. But my thoughts often drifted to the reps and their responsibilities of acting caretakers over the drunk and hung-over. Especially the ones that stripped naked during Sangria fuelled booze cruises across the Med…never asking themselves what sort of 18year old would want to see a forty-something ‘babysitter’ in the buff anyway.
Then I read of rapes, attacks, accidents, and drugs – and all the stuff that’s supposed to avoid the headlines when it comes to the drink driven tradition.
In 2008, an unnamed Thomas Cook Press Officer revealed all to the Daily Mail and what they said left me in shock. What reps did to earn excursion money and to entertain their near out-cold crowd was shameful, but what the press office would sell to keep things under wraps was disbelieving.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1044123/Binge-drinking-rapes-squalid-deaths-Club-18-30-insider-reveals-horrific-truth-Britons-abroad.html
For tour operators holidays such as these rake in the cash, but is it a question of false advertising? And is encouraging youngsters to drink excessively, in a strange country taking advantage of a common ‘I’ve paid, I can act how I like’ attitude?
Do they question their representatives, who drive young holiday-makers to act like them in all their rotting liver glory? Of course not – as long as they are making profits.
A 2008 report from Malia in Crete exposed that each day no less than 100 British girls were requesting the morning after pill. A further report, covering 15 popular 18-30 holiday destinations, counted 4,603 arrests in 2007 and 104 reported rapes.
There have been reports of death or near-death incidents in the papers for years, occurring in clubbing resorts such as Ibiza, Greece, and Majorca.
When I was away I received the ‘no naughty behaviour’ talk with reps reminiscing over the poor lad who broke his shoulder jumping off a boat. Didn’t he get the talk then, too?
Sometimes, it may be down to the reckless singleton who's trying to show off.
Then again - was it really a good idea to send us to a water park with a free bar and open the biggest rides, trying to nick our bikini tops on the way down? And it really isn’t professional to advise your minors of what not to do when you know full well you’re off to do it when the sun goes down.
Maybe touring operators should reconsider what reputation they are really after, before long fear will replace fun, and consequent in fines for the companies.
What will it take for them to really see the danger, for them to employ people who aren't taking advantage of the party vibes and tropical locations, and instead get some people with sense to look after the senseless.
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